Organizations ensure respect for Old Glory

Today is about respect.

“When you respect the flag you’re showing more respect to those who fought and died for that same flag and our country,” said John Bryant, the commander of the Jacksonville Disabled American Veterans chapter.

“When you respect the flag you’re showing more respect to those who fought and died for that same flag and our country,” said John Bryant, the commander of the Jacksonville Disabled American Veterans chapter.

His organization, along with other veteran groups in the region, have year-round programs dedicated to educating the area’s youth about the national ensign and its day of recognition: Flag Day.

Flag Day, which is today, commemorates Congress’ adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the U.S. flag on July 14, 1777.

“We target first through fifth graders and the response has been amazing,” said Grant Beck, the commander of Jacksonville’s Military Order of the Purple Heart. “We teach them how to fold and fly the flag as well as its history. ...And we hope on Flag Day all Americans will think about exactly what the flag resembles.”

The flag recognition is part of the broader MOPH “Americanism” program, which works with schools and other organizations to promote U.S. history.

“We want the kids to appreciate what the flag stands for,” Beck said. “The younger we can get them to understand what veterans have done for their country and what they have sacrificed, the more patriotic our country will be especially on a day like today.”

The local chapter teaches not only about the current incarnation of the U.S. flag but its beginnings as well.

“We teach them about the flag with 13 stars and stripes,” Beck said. “We teach them the meaning of the stripes, the stars and what’s behind the flag.”

Students are also taught how to old the flag.

“Participation among the students is very important,” Beck said. “Five or six students fold the flag and afterward they get to ask questions. Some of the questions are very humbling and bring a tear to your eye. Hands shoot up all over the classrooms because they just want to know about the flag and our veterans.”

The final step is teaching students that a flag does not just go in the trash — it needs to be disposed of properly, Beck said.

“When it comes to the flag’s disposal there is a procedure for how you’re supposed to dispose of it as well as the proper respects that should be shown during its disposal and a lot of people don’t know about that,” DAV Commander Bryant said. “There is a ceremony that occurs. For instance, after the burning ceremony for the flag the ashes must be scattered in a certain way.”

During the flag burning ceremony the flag, which is folded in its customary manner, is placed on fire in a fire large enough to ensure its complete burning. During the burning individuals in attendance should come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silence. The ashes of the flag should then be buried.

Page 2 of 2 - “I wish more people knew that men and women fought for that flag,” Bryant said. “It shouldn’t be thrown away without some respects being shown.”